Apple has officially released iOS 18.3, bringing notable updates to its operating system, including Apple Intelligence, a controversial AI-powered feature that is now enabled by default. The update, available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, introduces significant enhancements to notification summaries, news customization, and other AI-driven services, sparking both excitement and concern among users.
Apple Intelligence is an advanced AI system designed to offer personalized user experiences by analyzing on-device data. It powers features like smart notifications, contextual suggestions, and customized news recommendations, enhancing the utility of Apple devices. According to Apple’s official support page, the AI operates locally, ensuring user data privacy while delivering predictive insights based on usage patterns.
With Apple Intelligence turned on by default, the system begins adapting to user preferences immediately after the update. This includes tailoring notification summaries, optimizing app suggestions, and offering recommendations in Apple’s News and Safari apps.
While the AI system is marketed as a convenience-driven enhancement, its default activation has drawn criticism. The Verge noted that some users have expressed concerns over the potential overreach of AI-driven suggestions, particularly in areas like news curation, where biases may arise. Additionally, the inability to opt out during the initial setup has raised eyebrows among privacy advocates. A key point of contention is Apple Intelligence’s role in news notifications. Ars Technica reported that the update disables certain AI-generated news notifications, likely in response to criticism over the quality and bias of its content. However, the broader implementation of Apple Intelligence across the OS remains intact.
How to Turn Off Apple Intelligence
For users uncomfortable with AI-driven features, the system can be disabled through device settings. CNET detailed a step-by-step guide to deactivate Apple Intelligence across devices. Users can navigate to Settings > Apple Intelligence and toggle off features they don’t want, such as smart notifications or personalized app suggestions. TechCrunch highlighted that despite the ease of turning off the feature, some users feel Apple should provide more upfront transparency about its AI settings, especially for those updating without prior knowledge of the changes.
While Apple Intelligence remains the focus of the update, iOS 18.3 also introduces other enhancements, including better battery management tools and streamlined app performance. The update’s notification summaries, designed to reduce interruptions, have received praise from users looking for a more focused digital experience.
Still, the rollout has sparked a debate on the balance between convenience and privacy. Some see Apple Intelligence as a step forward in AI integration, while others argue that its default activation places undue control in Apple’s hands. The release of iOS 18.3 underscores Apple’s push toward leveraging AI for personalized user experiences, but its reception reveals the challenges of balancing innovation with user autonomy. As the update reaches millions of devices worldwide, users will ultimately determine whether Apple Intelligence is a convenience or a concern.
